Abs Are Made In The Kitchen: Is It True?

Abs Are Made In The Kitchen: Is It True?

You may have heard the saying “Abs are made in the kitchen” and wondered how true it could really be. It may seem odd that exercise isn’t the main determinant in the formation of abs (and a toned body in general,) but it’s actually the truth. What you eat and the way that you eat it has everything to do with the way that your body looks. Naturally, keeping up an exercise regimen is important, but the following tips are key to getting the body you want.

Keep Food Out of Sight

When you have all of the food right in front of you, it can become far too easy to reach for another helping. Avoid serving meals family style for this reason. Fix yourself a plate with a single serving of everything and then eat it in a different room (where the food isn’t visible.) You’ll be surprised how much less you may end up eating.

The 20 Minute Rule

It takes the body 20 minutes to realize that your stomach is actually full. You might eat a single serving and think that you’re still hungry, but that may be an illusion because your body hasn’t registered the stomach’s fullness yet. After you have taken the edge off your hunger (which should happen in a single serving,) wait for 20 minutes to get more. By then, you may very well realize that you’re actually not still hungry.

Know What a Serving Size Looks Like

Many people have a skewed perception of serving sizes today, thanks to restaurants that serve up giant sized portions of everything. Proper serving sizes are often dramatically less than people are used to putting on their plates, and learning the right sizes can help you keep your weight under control. Some easy measurements include:

A serving size of chicken (or any meat) is around the size of a deck of cards or the palm of your hand (about 3 ounces.)

A serving of vegetables or grains needs to be about the size of your fist (about 1 cup.)

A serving of cheese should equal the size of your index finger (about 1.5 ounces.)

A serving of fruit should be about the size of your fist (about 1 cup.)

A salad can be as big as the size of both fists put together. (about 2 cups.)

A serving of pasta should be small enough to fit in the palm of your hand (about 1/2 cup.)

Eat The Foods That Fill You Up

The foods that fill you up — namely, lean proteins and healthy fibers — are always the best choice when you’re trying to tone your body. Some foods may seem like a good choice at the time, but they leave you hungry again only an hour later. Avoid sugary, sweet, and processed items as much as possible. Replace these with foods that have high protein and healthy fiber to stay full longer. It’s better to have a piece of lean chicken and a salad than to have a sandwich made from white bread and processed meat, for example. These tips will allow you to be in control of your body, and those elusive abs may soon be within your reach!